INTRIGUED

I have to admit, there are times when what I become focused on will, even surprise me. I wanted to share this crazy bowl I bought by Kobayashi Bunichi and as you may guess it not my normal type of bowl. I think I was in part inspired to be curious because of the surrounding facts; this was previously exhibited at a show in Mino Prefecture, won an award for being the best "utsushimono" copy (Ko-Seto), is in a catalogue and came with a personal letter from the potter as well as a full-page newspaper article which shows this chawan among others. Last and perhaps least was the original extravagant price tag, this mention may be a bit crass, though I was intrigued by the bowl, this helped pushed me over the edge to acquire it.     

Despite the real bargain nature of the piece, in hand I can say I am very pleased with it as despite being a bit outside of my norms, it has everything I look for in a chawan, function meets aesthetics. There is an authenticity to the pot, the throwing, trimming and casual glazing are all simple and direct not to mention it is a beast at 15.8cm, just my size of bowl! The surface variations and running glaze animates the piece  and the rough cuts around the foot, opening the clay texture and terminating in a modest sized kodai acts as the perfect pedestal for this conical form. All in all, I have no complaints and in fact, that is about the most I can ask for. On a side note, should also mention, the wood box is a class act as well?